Chairman National Peace Committee General Abdulsalami Abubakar has expressed concerns over the violation of the September 2022 peace accord signed by the presidential candidates, political parties and their spokespersons.
The former military leader spoke Wednesday at the signing of the Second Peace Accord for the 2023 Presidential Elections at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Giving a breakdown of the violations, Abdulsalami said: ”44 per cent of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26 per cent by party members; 19 per cent by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 per cent by the hardcore supporters and 4 per cent by the Chairmen of the parties.”
He said since the start of official campaigning September 28, 2022, “There have been 60 attacks recorded on political rallies, resulting in nine fatalities, with the highest numbers in the southwest and southeast and lowest in the northeast and north-central, according to data collated by the National Election Violence Tracker.”
He, therefore, called on all political actors, key stakeholders and Nigerians to support a peaceful transition, promote the ideals of peace and a violent-free post-election period.
‘‘I urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the Accord,’’ he said.
Also speaking, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, assured the nation that the presidential election would hold Saturday, February 25, saying ‘‘INEC is ready.’’
According to him, INEC has already commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide.
”By Friday, we will activate the registration area centres so that at first light on Saturday, polling units will open on time.
”The commission is committed to free, fair, and credible elections in compliance with the electoral framework and the spirit of the peace accord.
”Therefore, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count,” he said.
